WELCOME

Joes Bridge Day

On the 13th September 1944. The fastest fighting advance in history was to start and ferocious it was. Led by Lieutenant-Colonel J.O.E Vandeleur (Irish Guards) it was one of the only time The Household division has ever fought together as all 7 Regiments. The World new It was only the Boys who make the noise who could get this done. The Household Division.

'This was to be the springboard for Operation Market garden'

The Household Division advanced rapidly north-east through the villages of Hechtel, Eksel, Overpelt and Neerpelt, with a combined infantry-tank assault. They even saved a civilian massacre in the town of Lommel the SS had set up as a human shield held at gunpoint.

They formed up on the Battle start line at 'Joe's Bridge'. The important bridge over the Escaut Canal, near Neerpeltafter. Regiments of the Household Division fought a hard battle to gain Joe's Bridge. This was the start of the Infamous N69 or "Hells Highway". More endearingly known to us as "the Club Route"

The fighting was hard and fast how we like it! Up in the face of the SS crack units into the Motherland. Saving the airbourne contingents where they were struggling to hold out at Arnhem to take over and, 'Get the job done'.

This is our memorial Day for the brave men of the Household Division. Called Joe's Bridge Day. 13th Sept every year, our club and every member to keep in our hearts a personal silence for that proud day.

The Orbat below followed by various pictures of throughout the advance.

The fighting advance from the form up on Joes Bridge into the Heartland